NEWCASTLE Vipers slumped out of the play-off zone in the Elite League after back to back home defeats at Hillheads over the weekend.

Danny Stewart’s side lost to Hull Stingrays – who also beat leaders Belfast Giants last night in a shock win – on Saturday after squandering a 2-0 lead, before a battling effort against Nottingham Panthers resulted in a second straight 4-2 loss.

Two goals 39 seconds apart at the start of the third period last night were the deciding factor as the Panthers picked up the points to keep the pressure on Belfast at the top of the league.

A powerplay goal apiece five minutes apart saw the teams go in at the first break tied at one.

The first came for the visitors at 9.14 as David Clarke found the net.

The hosts were back on level terms at 14.14 as a Toms Hartmanis strike found its way past Kowalski to restore equality.

The Hartmanis goal was the only one Vipers could count during a full seven-minute advantage, including a five-on-three spell, after Panthers Alex Penner was ejected for spearing.

After a goalless second period, the Panthers applied the killer punch at the start of the third period.

Billy Ryan scored with only 36 seconds on the clock, and then Marc Levers added another at to put the visitors two in front.

Vipers player/coach Danny Stewart at 48.29 with a powerplay goal gave the Newcastle team a glimmer of hope.

However, at 54.14 Panthers Guillaume Lepine ended the game as a contest as he netted his teams fourth goal.

Coach Stewart said his players ‘switched off’ with six minutes to go and threw away a winning position in Saturday’s game against Hull.

Newcastle were 2-1 ahead on goals by Dale Mahovsky and Hartmanis before Hull netted three times in the closing moments to win 4-2.

“Up until around six minutes from the end we played a great team game, did what we had to do, kept to plans and to be honest I didn’t think we looked in any trouble,” said Stewart.

“Then up 2-1 with minutes to go guys stopped playing as a team and became individuals.

“They thought we had the game in the bag and tried to do their own thing.

“Instead of doing the simple things, getting pucks deep and clearing our zone, we turn the puck over and invite pressure around our net and that’s going to tell sooner or later.

“Hull took full advantage and we’ve thrown away two points against a team we are fighting for a play-off spot.”

The Chronicle understands that ex-Viper Andre Payette is set to join Sheffield Scimitars.